Identifying Female ADD Symptoms
Women with ADD frequently experience depression. This could lead to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. Women who suffer from ADD are also more likely to get annoyed when waiting, whether in line for customer service or on hold.
ADD symptoms can alter with hormonal changes in females during puberty, the menstrual cycle and menopausal perimenopausal cycles. They may be disguised or exacerbated by estrogen, and are less noticeable in younger girls.
1. Inattentiveness
Women who have inattention ADD are often plagued by their difficulty staying focused on their tasks and are easily distracted by external or internal stimuli. Inattentive ADD can also cause problems with time management, and the inability to follow through on instructions. Women with ADD are also more likely to suffer from depression than those who don't have the disorder, but the two conditions can coexist.
Teachers and parents may be unable to recognize adults suffering from non-hyperactive ADD than children with hyperactive ADD because their symptoms are subtler. They may have trouble finishing homework or schoolwork and could be absent from important lectures as well as being not able to concentrate in meetings at work. Adults with disabilities may also have difficulty finding a job or keeping a current one.
Inattentive ADD is more common for women and girls, as opposed to the hyperactive ADD seen more often in males and boys. The girls and women with it are often misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when they reach puberty or when they experience mood swings associated with PMS or perimenopause. This is because doctors search for the more obvious behavioral traits of ADD in boys, but don't recognize them in girls and women, particularly during these periods.
Women with inattentive ADD are more likely to be frustrated with their lack of focus, which can lead to anger or frustration. They may also be more likely to dwell on their anger and can behave in ways that could damage their relationships. If someone interrupts her as she is working for instance she could scream out of the room. Her inability stay focused could result in her making careless errors that she regrets later.
3. Mood Swings
Ups and downs are a natural part of life. But if your mood shifts are extreme, they can disrupt your daily activities and make you feel like you're riding an emotional rollercoaster. Extremely frequent and extreme mood swings may be an indication of a mental health problem.
Mood swings occur when you suddenly switch from feeling upbeat or happy to angry or sad in an extremely short time. These changes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including blood sugar peaks and valleys sleep disturbances, stress, and weather conditions. Certain medications and substances can also cause mood changes.
If you experience frequent and intense mood changes then it's time to talk to your physician. Based on the root of your symptoms, you can treat them with a variety of treatments, including therapies, medication or lifestyle changes.
Women can experience mood swings up to two weeks prior to their periods as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). These symptoms include fatigue, fluctuations in appetite as well as depression, bloating, and other aches. If you notice that your mood swings are more intense during this period keep a detailed record to see if you can trace them back to the source. This will help you feel more confident in bringing them up to your doctor. It will also provide some validation for how you're feeling.
Change your diet, getting more rest, exercising and practicing relaxation techniques can all help to reduce mood swings. If you're taking medication that causes these symptoms changing your dosage or experimenting with a different medication could help ease your symptoms. Changes in mood can be a symptom of a variety of psychological and medical disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and bipolar disorder.
4. Impulsivity
The tendency to act rapidly and without thinking about the consequences. A persistent pattern of problems with impulse control may be an indication that you suffer from ADD or other disorders. An individual who is impulsive may have difficulty saving money, spending more than they can afford, or divulge personal information to others without considering the consequences. They might also have difficulty when it comes to activities that require planning such as driving or working in law enforcement.
It's normal for children and teens to be impulsive, but it is not uncommon for adults too. If you're having issues with your work or relationships due to impulsive behavior, it's essential to seek medical attention.
There are a variety of causes for the impulsive behavior, such as the brain structure, genetics, chemical imbalances, as well as environmental conditions. A background of emotional or physical trauma can trigger impulsive behaviors, as can an individual in the family with mental disorders. Certain medications can also increase the impulsiveness of a person, such as antidepressants and stimulant drugs.
It is important to differentiate between impulsive behavior and compulsive behavior, which is routine and ritualistic. For instance, checking if the oven is off repeatedly is a compulsive behavior, while buying something at the whim of a is an impulsive act. Impulsiveness is a common female ADD sign, especially during puberty, PMS, and during menopausal changes when estrogen levels decrease. Appearing aloof during conversations or having trouble finishing tasks like laundry are also indications of ADD in women. In some instances women's impulsiveness and inattention could lead to her being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or depression which can be treated with the correct medication.
5. Anxiety
It's normal to feel anxious or worried from time occasion, like when you're preparing for a public speaking event or test. However, if these feelings are frequent and extreme, interfere with your daily routine and last longer than reasonable, you may have an anxiety disorder. You might also experience physical symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat or the feeling that you're choking or having a heart attack.
Women who suffer from ADD are more susceptible to the emotional ups-and-downs that accompany anxiety. They are often easily annoyed and become extremely sensitive to minor aggravations. For instance, a minor error or being put on hold for long periods of time could make these women extremely angry. They might flee or avoid a problem, or even quit the job.
Anxiety is a natural response to danger or threat that is designed to prepare the body and mind to fight. When anxiety becomes a problem it can leave people weak and weakened.
Treatment options for anxiety disorders include medication and therapy. The kind of therapy you choose will depend on the root cause, however both behavioral and cognitive approaches can assist you in controlling your anxiety and feelings.
To ease anxiety, eat well and get enough rest. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise at a brisk pace, triggers brain chemicals that decrease stress. Join a support group, or connect with friends in person or via the phone. Being with other people can reduce anxiety and ease loneliness. adhd symptoms in women can teach you techniques to calm yourself, such as guided visualization or gradual exposure to uncomfortable situations.